Overview

Our Toddler program, designed for children from 18 months through 3 years, lays the foundation for the adult each child will become. Activities are purposefully designed to develop a sense of wonder, natural curiosity, motor skills, self-esteem, social skills, and cognitive processes. (Children do not need to be already toilet-trained to participate.)

Developmental Milestones

At this age, children are experiencing dramatic changes in body and brain to support the emergence of a wide array of motor, perceptual, and intellectual capacities. The use of language is emerging as toddlers begin to use their words to communicate. Intimate ties to others are formed. Their developing mastery of language and control of body give them a sense of empowerment and self. Montessori teachers are trained to embrace this emerging independence and create opportunities for them to safely make choices in their class work and learn emerging social skills.

Curriculum Highlights

To be a toddler is to be curious. With this in mind, the environment is a prepared “little society.” Each child is encouraged to become a functioning member of the society and to explore it fully. Multi-age classrooms feature custom-sized tables and chairs, sinks and stools, bookshelves and mirrors, and indoor and outdoor play areas, all designed to appeal to the child’s natural curiosity.

Activities are positioned around the room for toddlers to choose independently. Each activity deals with a particular theme, skill, or subject of value to toddler development. These activities allow toddlers to begin to experience concepts of sequence, form, shape, movement, and sound. The activities change and evolve as the child grows physically, emotionally, and intellectually.

Toddlers very much enjoy learning practical skills. Activities, which up until now have been going on around them, but which they can now do themselves, are seemingly irresistible: getting dressed, preparing lunch, setting the table, sweeping the floor, etc. Being able to do things for themselves creates an instantaneous surge of pride at this age.

What Sets Princeton Montessori Apart

Accredited at the highest level by the American Montessori Society

Led by a dedicated Head of School and engaged Board of Trustees

Staffed by a passionate team of faculty that surpasses the recommended teacher-to-student ratio set by the American Montessori Society (AMS)

Connected to PCTE, a world-renowned Montessori teacher training center as a lab school, ensuring the highest standard of a Montessori education

Set in a beautiful, natural, safe setting with state of the art learning environments

An experienced institution and a model for Montessori learning for nearly 50 years

Attended by healthy, happy, engaged, and connected families who strive to give their children the very best educational and developmental experiences available

Committed to providing the best in Montessori education and 21st Century Learning